Watermelon is believed to have first been domesticated over 4,000 years ago in Northeast Africa
It’s sweet and juicy, making it the perfect treat to quench your thirst during the summer heat.
This large round fruit has a green rind and bright red flesh. It’s also packed with nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Here are 9 of the top health benefits of watermelon.
Staying hydrated is important for your body to function properly.
Body temperature regulation, normal organ function, nutrient delivery to cells, and alertness are only some of the bodily processes that rely on adequate hydration (
Eating foods with a high water content may help give your body the water it needs to function properly.
Watermelon comprises 92% water, making it a great choice for daily water intake .
Furthermore, due to its high water content, this melon has a low calorie density — in other words, very few calories for its total weight.
Eating foods with low calorie densities, such as watermelon, may aid weight management by keeping you feeling full for longer .
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories, containing just 46 per cup (152 grams)
Several plant compounds found in watermelon, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, have possible anticancer effects.
While study results are mixed, lycopene intake may be associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, such as prostate and colorectal cancers
Lycopene is believed to work by lowering blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a hormone that promotes cell division. Notably, cancer forms when cell division becomes uncontrollable
Additionally, cucurbitacin E may inhibit tumor growth by promoting the autophagy of cancer cells. Autophagy is the process by which your body removes damaged cells
All the same, further human research is necessary.